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McHenry, Millard debate jobs, Congress, Social Security

U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-Lincoln, and Polk County Democrat Andy Millard are running in the 10th Congressional District, which takes in most of Asheville, southern and eastern parts of Buncombe County and a swath of counties in the southern foothills running east to Gaston and Catawba counties.

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U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-Lincoln, and Polk County Democrat Andy Millard are running in the 10th Congressional District, which takes in most of Asheville, southern and eastern parts of Buncombe County and a swath of counties in the southern foothills running east to Gaston and Catawba counties.

Patrick McHenry

Party:Republican

Home: Denver, Lincoln County

Current job: Congressman

Experience: Worked as special assistant to the U.S. labor secretary, served in the N.C. House 2003-05, then in the U.S. House from 2005 onward. He is chief deputy whip in the House.

Education: Bachelors degree, Belmont Abbey College

Age: 40

What would be your top priorities if you are elected?

We must work to create more good-paying jobs for the people of Western North Carolina. This can be accomplished by reducing regulatory burdens that limit growth and reduce access to capital that small businesses and entrepreneurs need to grow and create jobs. With more of our neighbors working, our local economy will continue to grow, improving quality of life throughout our community.

We must seriously address Obamacare. The president's healthcare plan is crumbling, and we need a replacement. House Republicans have a plan that will actually reduce costs and improve the quality of care for Americans across the economic spectrum.

Do you support any changes in foreign trade policies?

We live in a global economy, and foreign trade is a part of it. With that being said, past trade deals have destroyed many industries that once called Western North Carolina home. From furniture to textiles, we've seen past deals take our jobs and industries. That is why one of my first votes in Congress was against CAFTA.

On future trade deals my first and only concern is whether the agreement will help or harm our local economy. Should trade deals come before the House for a vote, that is the criteria I will use to evaluate each.

How should the U.S. deal with the threat of terrorism?

First and foremost we must acknowledge the threat for what it is, radical Islamic extremism. We must work to confront the threats both at home and abroad. We need to secure our borders and ports of entry and ensure all those entering our country are fully vetted and pose no threat to our homeland. We need to empower our military and intelligence agencies, ensuring they have the resources they need to keep us safe. And finally we must restore America's global standing which has sadly eroded over the last eight years.

What, if any, changes should be made to Social Security and Medicare?

Social Security and Medicare are important social safety nets that have served Americans well over the last century. Unfortunately, due to the failures of our government over a number of decades, these programs are no longer sustainable long-term. I do not believe there should be any changes to these programs for those already receiving benefits or nearing retirement. But for younger Americans like myself, we must make changes to ensure these programs will still be there for my daughter's generation and those that come after.

Andy Millard

Party: Democrat

Home: Tryon

Current job: Candidate

Experience: Worked as a teacher, assistant teacher then principal until 1994, when he switched to financial planning. Millard sold his financial planning firm earlier this year. His community activities include heading the Blue Ridge Barbecue Festival 1997-2005.

I am running because I no longer recognize Congress. Gone are the days of rival parties working together on practical solutions. I want to help bring them back.

Politics should be about service, not narrow partisanship or self-aggrandizement. In the first six months of this year, my opponent, Patrick McHenry, spent almost no time in his district, but used campaign money for trips to lush resorts in Boca Raton, Beverly Hills, Pebble Beach and Jackson Hole. He acts as if this congressional seat is his, not yours.

If you want to change Congress, you have to change your congressman.

Do you support any changes in foreign trade policies?

The reality of the global economy means that we need to think about foreign trade in new ways.

Big picture, I am opposed to the Trans Pacific Partnership treaty and would renegotiate it. More locally, we have an inland port just down the road in Greer, S.C., but the lack of infrastructure in Western North Carolina prevents our businesses from taking advantage of it. I would invest in highways (including the I-26 Connector in Asheville), universal high-speed internet, and workforce training programs.

If we provide the right conditions, our businesses can compete with anyone in the world.

How should the U.S. deal with the threat of terrorism?

I’ve had countless conversations with voters all over the district, and while everyone is concerned about terrorism, most are winning the daily battle by living without fear.

We cannot dictate to other countries or rely on our military to solve their problems. I support efforts to defeat ISIS and other Middle East-based terror groups by working with our allies, and I oppose sending our military into harm’s way unless there’s no alternative. I also support our domestic law enforcement as they battle homegrown terror. But we cannot give in to fear by changing who we are as a nation.

What, if any, changes should be made to Social Security and Medicare?

As a financial planner and investment professional, I have a special interest in these vital programs. Unlike my opponent, I would resist all efforts to privatize either one.

Imagine the mess we’d be in today if Social Security had been privatized during the stock market crash of 2008. But we do need to strengthen it. I’d start by raising or eliminating the income cap for Social Security tax.

Medicare is the one healthcare program that works for almost everyone, so I would continue the current reforms and support measures to allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies.